Crisis and Opportunity for Canadian Funders – Part 1 by Hilary Pearson

As the founding President of Philanthropic Foundations Canada for almost eighteen years, Hilary has worked with many of the largest private charitable foundations in the country. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of Myriad Canada.

Author of numerous articles and reviews on foundation philanthropy, Hilary Pearson writes as follows in her blog :

“Does the COVID 19 pandemic offer an opportunity for change in Canadian philanthropy?

And if so, what and how?

It’s much too soon to tell, probably. But it’s interesting to note the observations made in the last week by U.S foundations that this is the time for radical response.

It’s not too soon to say that the shutdown of our society and economy by the pandemic will lead to major shifts in the non-profit sector, certainly in the short to medium term. There will be a need to rethink financing structures, work practices, collaborations etc.

This forces a response not only for the next two months but probably for the next year and beyond.”